The Gifu Daibutsu is one of Japan's Three Great Buddhas, standing 13.7 meters tall. It's a unique Buddha statue crafted using a rare technique: a bamboo basket-like framework layered with clay, washi paper, lacquer, and gold leaf.
Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
National Treasure
Cultural Assets
Highlights
One of Japan's Three Great Buddhas, standing 13.7 meters tall
A unique Buddha statue crafted using a bamboo basket-like framework layered with clay, washi paper, lacquer, and gold leaf
Serene expression that inspires tranquility
Various Buddhist statues and paintings on display in the Daibutsu-den
Take a Gifu Bus from Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station toward Gifu Park and Nagara Bridge (e.g., Takatomi-bound) and get off at the "Gifu Park Rekishi Hakubutsukan-mae" bus stop. It's a 5-minute walk from there. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Adults (high school students and above): ¥200
Children (elementary school students and above): ¥100
INFO
At the temple grounds' Daibutsu Kouhouen (Shohoji Kouhouen), you can enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal called Fucha Ryori. Reservations are required at least two days in advance.
While not as famous as the Great Buddhas of Kamakura and Nara, the Gifu Daibutsu boasts a unique history and construction. As the largest "kago Daibutsu" (basket Buddha) made using a bamboo basket framework, and the largest dry lacquer Buddha in Japan, its charm is undeniable. Completed after 38 years of painstaking work, the Gifu Daibutsu's serene expression offers a sense of peace. Inside the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), various Buddhist statues and paintings are on display, allowing visitors to experience a tangible connection to history. Completed in the Edo period, it's relatively newer compared to other Great Buddhas, showcasing the incorporation of advanced techniques of the time, giving it a distinct appeal. The Gifu Daibutsu is a symbolic landmark of Gifu City, beloved by many. Be sure to visit when you're in Gifu City!